Pivotally mounted enclosure for can opener



Oct. 2, 1956 w. E. MOORE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ENCLOSURE FOR CAN OPENER IN l/Eh TOR. I WALTER E. MO R 5V W EG7 nT-r RME 5 Filed Oct. 18, 1954 bah-wanna Unite tates PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ENCLGSURE FOR CAN OPENER Application October 18, 1954, Serial No. 462,694

3 Claims. (Cl. 312248) The present invention relates generally to can openers, and more particularly to a wall type can opener provided with an integral cabinet-like cover which provides continuous protection against settlement of dust and the like upon the operating element of the can opener.

The practical indispensability of a good can opener, along with its frequency of use in the modern kitchen, has led to a wide preference for can openers which are adapted for wall mounting so as to be instantly accessible for use. Notwithstanding its having certain obvious advantages from the standpoint of availability and etficiency of use, however, the wall mounted can opener is still not exempt from the objections of meticulous housewives. For example, the very fact that it is mounted in position for instant use makes it also susceptible to unsanitary exposure. Further, the mechanism of a can opener is not particularly decorative and hence lends itself to the objection of an unaesthetic appearance.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novel wall mounted can opener having means to enclose and conceal the operating mechanism while the can opener is not in use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel wall mounted can opener having means to afford protection from dust and dirt for the parts of the can opener that normally might come in contact with food during use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel wall mounted can opener having an integral protective and decorative enclosure which substantially conceals and protects the can opening mechanism both when in use and when not in use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel wall mounted can opener which may be disposed for use or, in effect, stored for non-use with one hand.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel combination of a one-arm can opener and an integral protective enclosure therefor.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel mounting arrangement for a can opener.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an enclosed wall mounted can opener constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the can opener being shown in position for use;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 2--2 of Figure 1 and showing a fragmentary portion of the wall to which the can opener is secured;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but with the can opener in closed or non-use position;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 55 of Figure 4;

' Figure 6 is a fragmentary view similar to the right atent ice hand portion of Figure 2, but showing an operating assembly of the can opener lifted to a position enabling it to be closed against the wall;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken generally along the line 7-7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a removed wall bracket;

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of the closed can opener in reduced scale; and

Figure 10 is a top plan view thereof.

Referring to the drawing more particularly by means of reference numerals, 20 indicates generally an enclosed can opener embodying the teachings of the present invention. The can opener 20 actually comprises two separable assemblies, an operating assembly 22 and a mounting assembly 24.

Considering first the operating assembly 22, a main plate 26 having a general shape as best indicated in Figure 1 comprises a forward base plate portion 28 and a rear mounting portion 30. The base plate portion 28 functions both as a main frame for a can opening mechanism, designated generally as 32, and as a main support for a housing 34. As is apparent from the several views of the drawing, the base plate portion 28 is for the most part planar, except for having a can engaging flange 36 bent out at a angle. Preferably, except for its peripheral outline, the portion 23, as well as the cooperating can opening mechanism 32, is structurally similar to the device described in applicants copending application, Serial No. 288,646, filed May 19, 1952, entitled One Arm Can Opener. In view of this, it will be obvious that the present invention contemplates that the base plate portion 28 be provided with appropriate apertures and deformities as set forth for the corresponding member in the aforementioned application so that those elements of the can opening assembly 32 which perform the cutting function and which are clearly shown in Figure 1 are supported so as to project from one side of the base plate portion 28. At the same time, it will be observed that an operating crank assembly 38, best shown in Figures 9 and 10, extends from the opposite side of the base plate portion 28. This operating crank assembly 38 also finds its counterpart in the aforementioned prior application and thus includes a crank 40 provided with a cup-shaped end 42 containing well knovm mechanism for controlling the piercing and cutting operations of the can opener.

Referring now to the mounting portion 39 of the main plate 26, it will be observed that an integral extension of the main plate 26 has portions turned out at 90 to form horizontal upper and lower tabs or leaves 44 and 46, respectively. These tabs or leaves 44 and 46 extend perpendicular to the plate 26 and in the same direction as the cutting portion of the assembly 32. It will be understood also that they extend farther from the face-of the plate 26 than does any portion of the mechanism 32.

The housing 34 is generally box-like in form, except as will be noted hereinafter. The various panels of the box-like structure 34 need not be formed rectangularly, but may be styled as indicated generally in Figs. 9 and 10.

The particular housing 34 herein illustrated comprises a front panel 48, a top panel 50, an outer end panel 52 and an inner end panel 54. Preferably the housing 34 is formed from plastic material and is provided with a plurality of mounting posts 56 adapted to receive self tapping screws 58 for securing the housing 34 to the main plate 26. It will be noted that the posts 56 provide appropriate separation between the front panel 48 and the plate 26 to accommodate all portions of the cutting mechanism 32 which may project from the operating crank side of the main plate 26, except for the operating crank 40 itself and the mechanism enclosed therein. A circular opening 69'is provided in the front panel 48 for freely and rotatably receiving the cup-like portion 42 of the crank 44). V

The top panel 56 of the housing 34 may be said to extend generally rearwardly from the upper edge of the front panel 48, and, as is apparent from Figure 10, this upper or top panel is adapted to fit flush against a wall such as 62. Thus, with the opener 2'13 in the position of Figure 10, it is obvious that the cutting mechanism 32 is enclosed for eflicien-t protection against contamination of its cutting elements.

As is clear from Figure 5, the top panel 5d extends rearward'ly beyond the upper and lower tabs stand 46 so as substantially to cover not only the operating sembly 22, but also the mounting assembly Preferably the outer end panel 52 extends r .r/ardly the same distance as the top panel 56. The inner end panel 54, however, extends a lesser distance rearwardly, as is illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 6.

With respect to the mounting of the can opener 29, it will be helpful to describe first the mounting assembly 24 and then the cooperating mounting portion 30 of the main plate 26. Primarily, the mounting assembly 24 comprises a bracket 64, and the isometric projection of Figure 8 shows this bracket 64 to include a face, portion 66 deformed to provide an offset panel for accommodating a resilient pad 68. This pad 68 may be treated with appropriate adhesive materials on each side of its major surfiaces so as to provide means for securing the bracket 64 against a wall surface. Actually, as here shown, the panel 66 is also provided with a plurality of holes 76 through which screws such as 71 may be inserted to secure the bracket 64 to a wall surface. Clearly, these different means of securement may be employed separately or together.

Like the mounting portion 30 of the main plate 26, the bracket 64 has parallel tabs or leaves disposed at a right angle to the panel 66, and it will be understood that the separation of these tabs or leaves 72 and 7 3- is substantially identical to the separation of the leaves 44 and 46. With equal separation, then, it is obvious that the tabs or leaves and 46 may be disposed to rest flush against the upper surfaces of the tabs or leaves 72 and 74, respectively, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing.

Turning now to more detailed consideration of the mounting portion 39 of the main plate 26, both the upper and lower tabs 4-6 and 46 are provided with a depending pivot pin 76. As clearly illustrated in Figure 3, these pivot pins76 are secured in vertical alignment and in those corners of the tabs 54 and 46 which are adjacent the free edge of the inner end panel 54. As best illustrated in Figure 8, a hole 78 is provided in a corresponding corner of each of the leaves 72 and 74, these holes 78 being also in vertical alignment and adapted to receive the pivot pins 76 for free pivotal action of the operating assembly 22 relative to the mounting assembly 24.

In addition to its pin 76, the upper tab 44 is provided with a depending retaining pin 8% having a head 82 at its lower end. Correspondingly, the upper leaf 72 of the bracket 64 is provided with an arcuate slot 84. The slot 84 is disposed about the hole 73 as a center and for the most part is of a width adapted to accommodate only the shank :of the pin 89. At its inner end, however, the slot 84 is enlarged, as indicated by the numeral 36, to provide for insertion of the head 32 of the rivet 84 through this ortion of the slot 34. it should benoted that the length of the retaining pin 86 is substantially less than that of the pivot pins 76, this being for a purpose to appear.

A detent pin 38 is provided in the lower tab 46 and, although not required, may conveniently be located in alignment with the retaining pin 80. The lowerleaf 74 of the bracket 64 is provided with two different holes adapted to cooperate with the detent pin 88. Thus, a hole 90 adapted slidably to receive the pin 38 is located in a position to receive the same when the operating assembly 22 is swung to a position at right angles to the panel 66 of the bracket 64. A hole 92, on the other hand, is located so as to be in alignment with the detent pin 88 when the operating assembly 22 is closed substantially flush against a wait surface such as 62. This hole 92, however, is of smaller size than the diameter of the detent pin 88 and thus is adapted to receive only a portion of a rounded end 94 thereof. As is clear. from Figure 1 of the drawing, the detent pin 83 is substantial ly shorter than the retm'ning pin 84 In use, it is apparent that the enclosed can opener 20 is intended to be mounted on a vertical wall surface. Initially then, the bracket 64 is secured to a vertical wall surface either through employment of the adhesive pad 68 or by the use of screws inserted through the holes 70 or by a combination of these methods. The operating assembly 22 is then hung on the bracket 64 by simul taneously inserting the pivot pins 76 in the holes 78. It will be noted that the pins 76 will normally be only partially received in the holes 78 due to the head of the retaining pin 8t coming in abutment with the upper edge of the arcuate slot 84. By pivoting the operating assembly 22 towards the wall surface 62, however, the head 82 will be brought over the enlarged portion 86 so that the operating assembly 22 will drop down until the rounded end 94 of the detent pin 88 comes into abutment with the upper surface of the lower leaf 74 of the bracket 64.

If new the operating assembly 22 be pivoted rearwardly until the rear edge of the top panel 5b of the housing 34. isfiush against the wall 62, the detent pin 83 will be aligned with the detent hole 2 so as to retain the can opener 2% in this closed position. When the opener 20 is closed in this manner, all of the mechanism which is susceptible to contamination from air borne dirt and dust are well protected by virtue of the enclosing housing 34.

a When it is desired to employ the opener 24 for opening cans, it is only necessary to swing t e operating assembly 22 from its closed position as above described to a position where it extends perpendicular to the wall surface 62. As is apparent from Figure 5, the detent pin 33 is easily removed from the hole 92 and it is also clear from this figure that the weight of the operating assembly 22 will be borne by the pin 8% as it slides in an arcuate path from the hole @2 to the hole 9% Since, as above mentioned, the hole 90 is of a size to receive the pin 88, the latter will drop into the hole and the opera-ting assembly 22 will drop down until it is supported by the tabs 44 and 46 restingflush against the leaves 72 and 74, respectively. Obviously, the detent pin 88 being new inserted into the hole 9-8 will lock the operating assembly 22 in open position while cans are being opened in conventional manner.

Even though the present opener 29 may be left in its open position between the times when cans are actually opened, there will still be provided a good measure of protection for those parts which come into contact with cans to be opened and which could therefore contaminate the contents of newly opened cans. This protection stems from the fact that the top panel 5) completely overlies the can cutting portions of the can opening mechanism 32, and it is worthy of note that the present can opening mechanism 32 requires manual manipulation of only a single element, namely the crank 46, in the opening process. In other words, the instant can opening mechanism 32 is of the leverless type and hence lends itself well to incorporation of a fixed overlying panel, such as the top panel 56.

When it is desired to close the operating assembly 22 against the wall surface 62 for maximum protection of detent pin 88 from the locking hole 90 and then to swing the assembly 22 against the wall. As clearly indicated in Figure 6, the retaining pin 80 prevents the operating assembly 22 from being lifted clear oil of the bracket 64 since it is clear that the head 82 will not pass through the arcuate slot 84 when the operating assembly 22 is in other than its fully closed position.

It is further apparent, then, that the operating assembly 22 may be easily removed from the bracket 64 Whenever it is desired to clean it. Thus, the instant arrangement provides for exceedingly simple manipulation as desired without any likelihood at all of inadvertently separating the two major assemblies.

Clearly, there have been provided an enclosed can opener, a mounting means therefor, and a method of op erating the same which, together, fulfill the objects and advantages set forth above.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description has been given by way of illustration and example, and that changes in the form of the elements, rearrangement of parts or steps, and the substitution of equivalent elements or steps, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In a pivotally mounted enclosure for a can cutting mechanism, a wall bracket comprising a vertical plate portion adapted for attachment to a vertical Wall, a pair of horizontal tab-like leaves integral with said plate portion and disposed one above the other in parallel spaced relation, one of said leaves having a pivot hole and an arcuate slot about said pivot hole as a center, the other of said leaves having a pivot hole coaxial with said first mentioned pivot hole and a pair of angularly spaced detent deformations equidistant from said second mentioned pivot hole, the angular spacing of said detent deformation being substantially equal to the angular extent of said arcuate slot, a cover assembly including a plate, a pair of horizontal leaf-like tabs integral with said plate and disposed one above the other in parallel spaced relation, one of said tabs having a pivot pin and a retaining pin secured thereto so as to depend therefrom in spaced parallel relation, the other of said tabs having a pivot pin and a detent pin secured thereto so as to depend therefrom in spaced parallel relation, said pivot pins being coaxial one with the other, said pivot pins being simultaneously engageable in said pivot holes, said retaining pin being receivable in said arcuate slot for movement theren, and said detent pin being selectively engageable with either of said detent deformations or slidable in an arcuate path therebetween.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the retaining pin is longer than the detent pin, and wherein each of the pivot pins is longer than the retaining pin.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the retaining pin is provided with a head at its lower end, and wherein the arcuate slot includes an enlargement at one end for receiving said head, the remainder of the slot being of less width than the diameter of the head.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,087,576 Fernald Feb. 17, 1914 2,421,342 MacKenzie May 27, 1947 2,448,225 Malloy Aug. 31, 1948 2,497,561 Rose Feb. 14, 1950 2,510,357 Wilson June 6, 1950 2,601,069 Strumbos June 17, 1952 2,648,516 Manetti Aug. 11, 1953 2,649,347 Moore Aug. 18, 1953 

